FAQs
Please call us at 1-800-611-1911 so we can assist you. If you received a notification from us about an outage in your area, enter your Outage Number above. You can find it on your notification. With a bit more information, we can help you retrieve more accurate outage data for your location.
What is the largest cause of power outages? ›
1. Storms: Wind, heat, ice and snow are the most common causes of widespread power outages. 2. Trees: During high winds, or trimming by an untrained professional, limbs can come into contact with power lines and cause interruptions.
What usually happens when the power goes out? ›
A power outage may: Disrupt communications, water and transportation. Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services. Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
How do I check the status of my power outage in Texas? ›
You can report a power outage or check the status of a previously reported power outage via our online reporting tool. You can also call us at 888.313. 4747. If you have signed up for My Oncor Alerts, text OUT to 66267 (ONCOR).
How do I check if there's a power cut in my area? ›
Is there a power cut in my local area?
- Call 105 free from your mobile or landline to get straight through to your local network operator's emergency number.
- Go to your local network operator's website to report or track the power cut.
Use a receptacle voltage tester by plugging the device into the outlet. The lights on the device will come on to indicate the presence of a live electrical current. Test an electrical outlet with a non-contact voltage tester by holding the tester about an inch away from the short slot on the outlet.
Which state has the most power outages? ›
With the most annual power outages, Maine is surely left in the dark. The Pine Tree State tops the list with an average of 4.35 power outages every year, a stark increase above the national average of 1.62 per year.
What was the longest blackout in history? ›
Auckland, 1998: This is the longest blackout in history, lasting 66 days. Yes, you heard it right 66 days! The five-week blackout began on February 19. It left nearly 6,000 people without electricity.
What was the worst blackout in the United States? ›
August 14 and 15, 2003 - The northeastern U.S. and southern Canada suffered the worst power blackout in history. Areas affected extended from New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey west to Michigan, and from Ohio north to Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario. Approximately 50 million customers were impacted.
Should I unplug my refrigerator during a power outage? ›
Televisions, computer equipment, game consoles, fans, lights and all other smaller appliances should be unplugged, especially if they were in use when the power went out. Larger appliances, such as refrigerators, should not be unplugged.
Unplug everything in your home.
Turn off breakers or remove fuses. If there is an extended power outage, you may want to leave one lighting circuit on so you will know when the electricity comes back on.
How to survive without electricity? ›
Basic Survival Tips if Your Power Goes Out
- Use a flashlight for emergency lighting instead of candles.
- Turn off electrical appliances you were using when the power went out.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer so they will stay cold.
- Listen to your battery-powered radio for updated information.
As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.
Can you flush the toilet when the power is out? ›
Depending on the amount of water remaining in the pipes, you might be able to flush your toilet several times while the power is out. Eventually, however, your tank won't fill up anymore because the pumps are down. When this happens, you will need to flush your toilet manually by pouring in a bucket of water.
How do I know if I have a power outage in my area? ›
The outage map also includes detailed information about specific outages, such as the cause and estimated time of restoration. Alternatively, you can also call their customer service number at 1-800-DIAL DWP (800-342-5397) to find out if there is an existing power outage in your area.
How do I check the power in my house? ›
Touch one tester probe to one of the silver lugs above the main breaker and the other tester probe to the remaining silver lug above the breaker. The multimeter tester should register a voltage between 210 and 250 volts.
How do I check my PG&E outage by address? ›
Step 1: Go to PG&E Outage Center to search for an address. Step 2: If an outage is affecting the address, you will see the option to "Get outage updates." Click this link. Step 3: Enter the phone or email where you would like to get alerts.
How do I find out if I have a power outage in Los Angeles? ›
The outage map also includes detailed information about specific outages, such as the cause and estimated time of restoration. Alternatively, you can also call their customer service number at 1-800-DIAL DWP (800-342-5397) to find out if there is an existing power outage in your area.
Where does my electricity go? ›
The electric power grid
Electricity is generated at power plants and moves through a complex system, sometimes called the grid. The grid includes electricity substations, transformers, and power lines that connect electricity producers and consumers.
